A wire rope safety barrier installed on State Highway 2 less than three months ago has already prevented at least three potential head-on crashes, according to New Zealand Transport Agency.

The barrier, which runs between Turner Rd and Sargent Dr at Apata segmenting northbound and southbound traffic on the highway's passing lane, has been struck by vehicles in three separate incidents since being installed at the start of July.

A wire rope safety barrier installed on State Highway 2 less than three months ago.

NZTA's Bay of Plenty highways manager Niclas Johansson says no injuries were reported after the incidents – and he believes the wire rope barriers are working to make things safer on SH2.

'We can repair a wire rope barrier, almost as good as new, but surgeons can only do their best for people injured in a bad crash.

'We want people to get home to their loved ones safely, that's why this stretch of road is a major focus.”

And while some motorists claim the barrier makes for a very narrow road – with wire rope on either side of the single, northbound lane – Niclas says the highway was widened as much as was practical with the land available.

Niclas says roadside and median wire barriers are highly effective in preventing deaths and injuries for all types of road users. 'In these cases the rope has acted as a safety net and a lifesaver by stopping vehicles from crossing the centre-line.

'The main purpose of wire rope safety barriers is to stop traffic leaving the road and colliding with solid objects such as other vehicles, trees and poles.

'This helps create a more forgiving road that can help stop simple mistakes becoming a fatal head-on collision.”

So will more wire rope safety barriers appear on SH2 between Katikati and Tauranga? Niclas says NZTA will make further safety improvements from Omokoroa to Te Puna and Katikati south.

'Exactly what will be put in place in these areas is still under consideration. When we have identified what could be used we will go out to the communities affected to get feedback. We expect to be going out to communities in the New Year.”

For more on wire rope barriers: www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/road-engineering/road-safety-hardware/wire-rope-safety-barriers